What John saw in church

After consulting with Dr. Armstrong (whose name it turns out, is Henry), the Colonel, John and Henry proceed to church.  Sitting there in church, John notices that all the pews have carvings on the ends facing the aisle.  On one pew there is carved a hammer and some nails.  On another pew there is a carving of a spear with what looks like a sponge on its tip.  On yet another pew there is carved what looks like thirty pieces of something round, most likely they are coins.  John is seeing all this and hearing the Curate speaking about God's love.